How common is the McDougall surname?

There are approximately 42,000 people with the surname McDougall in the United States.

Are there McDougall soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 138 soldiers with the McDougall surname appear in Civil War records.

McDougall

Q: What does the surname McDougall mean?

The surname McDougall means "Son of Dougal, from the Gaelic personal name Dubhgall meaning 'dark stranger' or 'dark foreigner'.". It is of Scottish origin.

Patronymic

Meaning

Son of Dougal, from the Gaelic personal name Dubhgall meaning 'dark stranger' or 'dark foreigner'.

Etymology

The 'Mc' prefix means 'son of' in Gaelic. Dougal derives from Dubhgall, composed of 'dubh' (dark/black) and 'gall' (stranger/foreigner), originally referring to Norse-Gaelic settlers. The surname is associated with Argyll and the western Highlands.

About the McDougall Surname

A prominent Scottish patronymic surname with medieval origins in the western Highlands. The name reflects Norse-Gaelic heritage and has substantial international diaspora.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 42,000 bearers in the United States #630 most common surname

Rare Common

Scotland, particularly the Highlands and Islands, with significant populations in North America, Australia, and other Commonwealth nations.

McDougall Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

People with the McDougall Surname

Charles J. McDougall

Quick Facts

Origin: Scottish
Classification: Patronymic
Earliest Record: 12th century
Estimated Bearers: 42,000

War Records

138 soldiers with the McDougall surname found in Civil War records.

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